Will's Blog: Mudder's Day

Ready for the "Tough Mudder" challenge

One of the perks of my job is to cover great athletes and attend some pretty amazing sporting events. But on Saturday, for one day, I get to be part of an intense sporting event for a great cause.

For the last 10 weeks I've been training for a competition known as the "Tough Mudder." Many of you have likely scene ads for it, and some of you might have even tried it. Simply put, it's a 12 mile outdoor course that includes up to 25 difficult obstacles. The organizers of the event call it "probably the toughest event on the planet," and when you watch the promotional video, you'll probably agree.

I mentioned it's for a great cause and that's because "Tough Mudder" has raised over three million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. That was part of the appeal for giving it a try, but quite honestly, I was also drawn in by the physical and mental challenge.

I don't mind telling everyone I'm 37 years old, and while I feel like I was in very good physical shape before this training, the thought of focusing on this event made me more determined than ever to test my body. Day in and day out I watch professional athletes put in the blood, sweat and tears to be the best at what they do.

Trust me, I'm nowhere near being a professional athlete, but it felt great to set up a difficult athletic goal and go out an accomplish it. I'm not there yet.

10 weeks of training are complete, and I'll take part in the "Tough Mudder" event in Sarasota this Saturday.

The best part is I'll be doing it with a great team. About 10 of us have committed ourselves to the training to be part of the challenge. We call ourselves "Team Soho" because we did most of our intense work-outs on the sand behind the Soho Beach House hotel in Miami Beach.

The teamwork is probably the best part of the event. We all worked out together to get in the best shape of our lives, and we feel confident we're there. Part of the appeal of the event is to encourage teammates to continue and fight through the pain while out on the course.

I have so many friends who have completed marathons, triathlons and challenge themselves daily with Cross Fit, boxing classes, etc. This is the first time I've ever really tested my body and endurance.

Of course, working in TV, I'll be bringing you the story for an upcoming Sports Sunday show on WPLG. I filmed some of our training, and I'll be wearing a mini-camera attached to my body during the Mudder.

Wish me luck!

Here's a link to the "Tough Mudder" official website, if you want to learn more about the event.